Green RISE Africa: Working with the next generation of green entrepreneurs
Unlocking up to half a million jobs for women and youth in Africa.
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Across sub-Saharan Africa, young people are already building the solutions their communities need, from clean energy distribution and climate-smart agriculture to electric mobility and circular economy ventures that strengthen local value chains. Yet many continue to face barriers to growth.
Green RISE Africa (Resilient Impact through Sustainable Entrepreneurship) is a five-year program designed to strengthen Africa’s emerging green economy and expand dignified work opportunities for women and young people.
Implemented by Acumen* in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation across 15 markets: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, the program builds on growing momentum by working with young African entrepreneurs to deepen their participation in the green economy, driving climate solutions and economic empowerment for 443,200 people, including 308,000 young women living in poverty.
“African entrepreneurs are already solving problems in their communities,” said Chris Maranga, Africa Director, Acumen. “But too often they lack access to the leadership development, capital, market and networks needed to grow their ideas into more sustainable, greener enterprises.”
“Our vision for Green RISE Africa is simple, but ambitious — to help build an ecosystem where climate-positive enterprises can grow and create work opportunities at a level that can meaningfully shift economic growth for young entrepreneurs across the continent.”
Moyin Okubor, Program Lead, Acumen
The Green RISE Africa program is designed with multiple pathways to support green entrepreneurs from early-stage ambition to scaling enterprises that enable access to dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people, particularly young women living in poverty.
Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their impact through:
- A six-month Fellowship program, offering training focused on values-based leadership, business model clarity, and access to a peer community designed for young climate leaders.
- An Accelerator program to provide training and learning for existing green enterprises to refine their business models, strengthen green practices, and position themselves for growth to reach more women and youth.
- Additional training, learning opportunities, and access to funding for projects aimed at expanding inclusive green jobs and scaling green economy solutions across the region.
If you are a green entrepreneur based in East or West Africa, register your interest here to receive further information.
*About Acumen: The Green RISE Africa program is being executed by Acumen Canada, a Canadian registered charity and Acumen affiliated entity. Acumen Canada will implement the program with the mobilization of Acumen’s global affiliates. Reference to “Acumen” refers collectively to Acumen Canada and its affiliates.
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